Bangladesh seeks stronger ICRC role in Rohingya repatriation
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed has called for a stronger role from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the rapid, safe and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya. She also called for the continuation of the ICRC’s ongoing humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya in Bangladesh.
The state minister made the call during a meeting with Regis Savioz, ICRC Regional Director for the Asia Pacific region, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Shama Obaed praised the ICRC’s longstanding humanitarian activities in Bangladesh. She strongly called for the continuation of the organization’s ongoing assistance for the Rohingya.
Discussing the Rohingya crisis, the state minister said nine years have passed since the atrocities in Rakhine State and the mass displacement of the Rohingya. She said stronger international cooperation is needed for a lasting solution to the crisis and for the rapid, safe and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland.
At the meeting, Shama Obaed highlighted the government’s people centered and humanitarian social protection programs. She also briefed the ICRC representative on the potential impact of the Family Card and Farmer Card initiatives.
The growing issue of digital harassment against women also came up at the meeting. The state minister said ICRC cooperation is needed to address new forms of digital threats and their humanitarian impact.
In this regard, the foreign affairs state minister proposed considering the organization of a regional meeting of the ICRC in Dhaka on international humanitarian law (IHL).
On the other hand, Regis Savioz praised Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the ICRC. He also noted Bangladesh’s constructive contribution to global discussions on international humanitarian law. In particular, the ICRC regional director praised Bangladesh’s role as co-chair of the IHL and Peace workstream.
Savioz expressed interest in further expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in various areas of mutual interest including the promotion of international humanitarian law, capacity building and humanitarian assistance programs.
